UHI halts involvement in MAATIC project due to economic pressures

The University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) has announced a strategic decision to step down as the project lead for the Moray Aerospace, Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus (MAATIC), a key initiative of the Moray Growth Deal which has secured £21m in UK Government funding.

UHI had planned to invest up to £3m in MAATIC. However, the economic landscape has become increasingly challenging for all colleges and universities in Scotland, and with inflationary pressures intensifying on the project over the past year a re-assessment of UHI’s strategic priorities was required.

A spokesperson for UHI stated: “While we are stepping back as the lead on the MAATIC project we remain fully committed to the skills development agenda for the Moray region and will continue to be involved in the Moray Growth Deal, leading through UHI Moray the Business Enterprise Hub which will deliver the skills and space needed to support small business growth in the area.”

The Moray Growth Deal has secured long term investment that will create jobs, generate high value skills and enhance facilities and services.

Moray Council is now working with the Scottish Futures Trust to run a series of workshops in autumn 2024 to decide on the next steps for the MAATIC project. The primary aim of all deal partners is to identify a project that will deliver targeted innovation and skills support to key business sectors in Moray, boosting the region’s economy, and creating jobs for local residents.

Moray Growth Deal lead for Moray Council, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “The Moray Growth Deal gives us an unrivalled opportunity to build on the existing strengths of Moray and increase the value of this region’s economy.”

“A key part of the Moray Growth Deal is the partnership working between different organisations, while it’s unfortunate UHI have had to withdraw as project lead for MAATIC we’re committed to continuing to deliver an innovation and skills intervention and are working to bring this to the next phase of development. UHI remain a key partner in the Growth Deal, with UHI Moray leading the Business Enterprise Hub project and we look forward to strengthening this relationship further.”

“We’ve had reassurance that both Governments remain committed to the Moray Growth Deal and to their respective overall investments, and they are standing ready to provide support as we look to identify and move into delivery of a new skills and innovation project.”

Moray’s £100m Growth Deal brings together the Scottish and UK Governments, Moray Council, partners from across the public and third sector, and businesses. The combined investment will see up to £32.5 million each delivered by the Scottish and UK Governments respectively, with regional partners contributing up to £35.8 million to boost the region’s economy over the next 10 years.